Chapter 1725: Yao Golden Sword Cave

# The Mortal Realm

West Earth is surrounded on all sides by fire storms, making the environment of almost the entire realm similar to the Western Desert. In the peripheral regions of West Earth, oases and life are virtually non-existent. Water vapor gradually increases towards the center of West Earth, but it is far from abundant. Compared to other realms, West Earth as a whole is arid and desolate.

Immortal cultivators, like mortals, settle near water. Among the major realms Qin Sang has traveled, the Northern Sea and Canglang Sea are mostly vast oceans, but even they have far more habitable areas than West Earth. West Earth is the most sparsely populated, and it is also where mortals face the greatest difficulties in survival.

On his way to Great Compassion Zen Temple, Qin Sang intentionally slowed his flight speed to experience the local customs and found that Buddhist teachings were prevalent there. West Earth's Buddhism differs slightly from Central Continent's Buddhism. Passing through various oases, Qin Sang often saw Buddhist disciples. These disciples traveled among the people, drawing water vapor and nourishing regions, thereby preventing West Earth mortals from being displaced due to the disappearance of oases.

While discussing dharma and dao with Master Zhitian and others, Qin Sang learned that some monks in West Earth's Buddhist temples dedicated their lives to saving all sentient beings, practicing diligently. Some achieved enlightenment through their actions, becoming true Holy Monks, though there were also exceptionally talented individuals who neglected their own cultivation as a result. Of course, West Earth is not solely dominated by Buddhism; other traditions also exist, but their power is not comparable to that of Buddhism.

As they traveled, Qin Sang and Master Huaiyin exchanged insights on body cultivation. Qin Sang had originally intended to seek advice from Master Huaiyin on this trip, so he was naturally delighted when the master brought it up. Qin Sang had cultivated "Heavenly Demon Body Forging" to the middle stage of the Fourth Transformation. In terms of cultivation level, he was only slightly inferior to Master Huaiyin, making their exchange a true discussion rather than a one-sided inquiry. Furthermore, one cultivated Buddhist dharma while the other cultivated demonic techniques, representing two distinct legacies. By cross-referencing, both gained valuable insights. The two conversed happily, somewhat neglecting the others.

From Master Huaiyin, Qin Sang learned that body cultivation techniques had existed in Great Compassion Zen Temple since ancient times, but due to the cultivation environment of this realm, pure body cultivators like Master Huaiyin were extremely rare. "Master, to achieve such accomplishments while focusing on the path of body cultivation, I truly admire you," Qin Sang praised.

Master Huaiyin showed no complacency. Looking at Qin Sang, he said meaningfully, "The reason our temple has been able to continue the lineage of Vajra Protectors, besides having relatively complete techniques, is due to another factor..."

Qin Sang noticed the unusual tone in his voice, his eyes flashing. "What might that be?" As he spoke, he glanced at Master Zhitian beside him. How could he not guess? This was surely a secret of Great Compassion Zen Temple, something that would normally never be revealed to an outsider like him. Master Huaiyin's actively bringing it up clearly aimed to prompt his inquiry. Master Zhitian smiled silently, showing no intention of stopping Master Huaiyin.

Master Huaiyin clasped his hands and said, "Our temple possesses a secret place called the Golden Luster Sword Cave. It might have been a training ground or battleground for ancient sword cultivators. Over countless years, the sword intent within the cave faded, but for some unknown reason, the sword energy mutated, transforming into Golden Luster Sword Qi, which persists to this day. In truth, it can no longer be called sword energy; sword cultivators cannot comprehend ancient sword techniques from it. However, for us body cultivators, it is an invaluable treasure. Absorbing Golden Luster Sword Qi into the body within the Golden Luster Sword Cave allows for body tempering with twice the effectiveness! Without the Golden Luster Sword Cave, this monk would likely have faced many more difficulties to achieve my current cultivation."

Qin Sang had not expected Master Huaiyin to reveal the origin and function of the Golden Luster Sword Cave to him so frankly, holding nothing back. Wasn't this an invitation for him to visit the Golden Luster Sword Cave? Improving the realm of "Heavenly Demon Body Forging" was Qin Sang's top priority. Encountering a treasure ground like the Golden Luster Sword Cave, there was no reason to miss it. He was also well aware that the other party's voluntarily revealing the Golden Luster Sword Cave surely had an ulterior motive.

Qin Sang already stood at the pinnacle of this realm, unafraid of others' ulterior motives. He immediately said, "It seems I cannot hide anything from your keen insight, Master. This humble Daoist is indeed seeking such an opportunity. What must be done for your esteemed temple to allow me to enter the sword cave?"

"If True Monarch commands, our temple will naturally open its doors of convenience! After meeting with the abbots of the various temples, this monk will immediately take True Monarch to the sword cave," Master Huaiyin said resolutely, then changed his tone, "However..."

"Huaiyin," Master Zhitian suddenly interjected, stopping Master Huaiyin. He then turned to Qin Sang and said, "Let me tell True Monarch about my matter myself. This monk wishes to ask True Monarch to serve as my protector!"

"Protector?" Qin Sang paused, then suddenly understood something, a look of surprise on his face. "Master, are you planning to attempt the Soul Transformation realm now?" Given the strength of Great Compassion Zen Temple, what else in this realm would require protection from outsiders? Qin Sang could only think of this one possibility.

"Precisely!" Master Zhitian nodded.

"This... Master, why the rush?" Qin Sang truly hadn't expected anyone to voluntarily attempt a breakthrough, knowing about the Demonic Sound of Heavenly Dao. Unless one's lifespan was exhausted, or the Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation was approaching and they knew they couldn't overcome it. After Qin Sang brought news of the Ascension Platform, there was new hope in this realm, so what was the harm in delaying for a while?

"This monk began preparing for the Soul Transformation bottleneck long ago, accumulating power for an entire epoch. In three years, the time will be ripe, and it is fitting to break through in one go. As the saying goes, 'the moon wanes when it is full,' and the opportunity has arrived; delaying would be futile. If successful, I can work with True Monarch to overcome this realm's great calamity. If I fail, it can serve as a warning to future generations that the Demonic Sound of Heavenly Dao must not be underestimated, and that they should fully assist True Monarch, for only then is there a sliver of hope," Master Zhitian said, his hands clasped, his expression serene. Worry was visible in the eyes of Master Huaiyin and the others. Qin Sang remained silent.

In fact, Qin Sang had sensed earlier that after he had Master Xingji inform the Poison King and others about the Demonic Sound of Heavenly Dao, they hadn't fully believed it. Some likely thought it was an exaggeration. If not for the allure of the Ascension Platform, those individuals might not have given their full effort. The root cause was the anomaly that was Qin Sang. Among those who could cultivate to this level, who would believe themselves inferior to others or that their temperament was lacking? If Qin Sang could succeed, why couldn't they? There was more than one type of treasure in the world, not just the Spirit Suppressing Incense. With ample preparation, it might not be impossible. Yet, Qin Sang could not fully explain the underlying reasons.

"Does Master possess Spirit Suppressing Incense?" Qin Sang asked.

Master Zhitian nodded. "This monk obtained the formula from Saint Huiguang years ago and refined one stick. Unfortunately, the spiritual herbs required for high-grade Spirit Suppressing Incense are exceedingly rare; our temple searched all of West Earth but could not gather them all. Additionally, our temple possesses a supreme Buddhist treasure that can protect my primordial spirit and withstand the damage from the Bixi Wind, allowing me to face the inner demon tribulation in the best possible state. However, this treasure requires another person to control it, serving as my protector from afar. The higher the cultivation of the controller, the stronger its effect. Asking True Monarch to act is precisely to control this treasure. True Monarch, please be at ease, this is a tribulation-assisting secret treasure. It will not cause the heavenly tribulation to affect you, though it will greatly consume your true essence." Master Zhitian explained in detail.

Such a treasure actually existed in the world. It was difficult for cultivators to borrow external strength during heavenly tribulations; outside interference would not only cause the tribulation to mutate and increase in power but also affect the intervener. Upon hearing this, Qin Sang immediately thought of Liu Li and quickly inquired, but the result disappointed him. This treasure was called the Immovable King Diagram, depicting the Immovable King. It was a secret heritage treasure of Great Compassion Zen Temple, and only those who cultivated the temple's fundamental techniques could receive its protective power. Even Master Huaiyin, though from the same sect, could not. It was said that there were originally three secret diagrams for tribulation, each corresponding to one of the three calamities. The other two were incomplete. West Earth Buddhism prioritized refining the heart, so they actually desired the other two more, but unexpectedly, the Immovable King Diagram was now the most important.

Qin Sang sighed inwardly, but without hesitation, he resolutely agreed, "Master, rest assured, this humble Daoist will certainly provide assistance!" The monks were overjoyed upon hearing this.

"Since both Masters have brought up these matters now, this humble Daoist will no longer conceal anything. My original intention for this trip was to ask Master Huaiyin for guidance on a secret technique: the one Master Huaiyin used on Emperor's Peak Mountain to reverse injuries. This humble Daoist is preparing for the future; if I ever have to travel east to the Void Returning Sea, having this secret technique for protection could offer a glimmer of hope." Qin Sang said sincerely, "Master, rest assured, this humble Daoist will not take advantage of the situation. My desire for that secret technique will not be conflated with this matter. Regardless, I will certainly put forth my utmost effort in protecting Master during the tribulation."

Master Zhitian nodded. "This monk trusts True Monarch. However, this secret technique is a true transmission of the Huaiyin lineage, so it depends on Huaiyin's decision."

"Upon returning to the temple, this monk will transmit the 'Inner Lion Seal' to True Monarch," Master Huaiyin agreed without hesitation.

Qin Sang's expression softened slightly. "Does Master have any requirements?"

Master Huaiyin hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "If the Ascension Platform is found, this monk only asks that True Monarch reserve a spot for me nearby. I have no other requests."

As they spoke, Great Compassion Zen Temple came into view. Great Compassion Zen Temple was built by a lake. This lake was the largest in West Earth. Standing on its shore, one couldn't see the opposite bank; an uninformed person might mistake it for an ocean. When they arrived, the abbots of the various temples had already been waiting for a long time at Great Compassion Zen Temple. Nominally, it was a Water and Land Dharma Assembly. Qin Sang appeared at the Dharma Assembly, repeating what he had done in Central Continent.

After the Dharma Assembly concluded, Master Zhitian entered secluded meditation, awaiting his breakthrough attempt three years later. Master Huaiyin then took Qin Sang to the Zen hall to transmit the technique.

In the Zen hall, the two sat facing each other, cross-legged on meditation cushions. Master Huaiyin transmitted the dharma through a mind-seal. He joined his fingers and lightly pointed at Qin Sang's brow. A golden ray flew out, and Qin Sang slowly closed his eyes as a profound secret technique emerged in his mind.

"'Inner Lion Seal'..."

As Qin Sang comprehended the secret technique, Master Huaiyin's voice, somewhat ethereal, entered his ears. "'Inner Lion Seal' is said to be one of the nine Great Light Seals passed down from ancient times. The nine Great Light Seals are reportedly connected to the Daoist sect, but their exact origin is untraceable. Each seal has a different function, possessing profound divine abilities. Our temple only possesses the 'Inner Lion Seal' tradition, and even that is merely a half-seal..."

"Even as a half-seal, its divine power is exceptional. With True Monarch's current physical cultivation, you should be able to barely perform it."

"The function of this seal, True Monarch, can be considered self-restoration. If you suffer severe injuries, even if they damage your foundation, as long as you have time to form the seal, you can quickly recover, turn defeat into victory, or even reverse life and death, just as this monk did that day..."

"However, precisely because it is only a half-seal, the secret technique is incomplete."

"This monk does not know the full extent of the complete 'Inner Lion Seal's' divine power, but the half-seal has many limitations that cannot be ignored."

"Firstly, the secret seal can only be cast once per injury. If used repeatedly, it can cause a backlash, potentially leading to the immediate collapse of the physical body."

"Secondly, after casting the secret seal, it is best to leave the perilous area as quickly as possible, because this is not a true recovery. After the seal's effect wears off, the injuries will rapidly worsen, becoming more severe than before."

Combining this with Master Huaiyin's guidance, Qin Sang quickly gained a general understanding of the "Inner Lion Seal." He couldn't help but marvel at the profundity of the secret technique, wondering how powerful the complete "Inner Lion Seal" truly was. As Master Huaiyin said, this secret technique could not truly heal injuries, but it could still save a life at a critical moment.

"Thank you, Master, for transmitting the dharma," Qin Sang stood and bowed. He did not immediately try to comprehend the "Inner Lion Seal." He would have plenty of time later while traversing the storms.

Speaking of which, this was the second type of Buddhist seal he had acquired. Previously, he had obtained the "Seven Masters Buddhist Seal" from the Pure Sea Sect, which was less profound than the "Inner Lion Seal" but was a combat technique. Qin Sang had already mastered the Auspicious Seal, Lotus Seal, Wheel Altar Seal, and Demon-Crushing Seal. After his breakthrough, he could cultivate the fifth and sixth seals, which were the Vajra Great Wisdom Seal and the Vajra Heavenly Armor Seal.

Master Huaiyin also stood up and said, "This monk will now open the Golden Luster Sword Cave. True Monarch can cultivate in the cave for these three years." With that, Master Huaiyin led Qin Sang out of Great Compassion Zen Temple.

Surprisingly, the Golden Luster Sword Cave was located within the lake in front of the temple. The two submerged deeply without needing true essence protection. Qin Sang estimated they were nearing the lakebed when Master Huaiyin, ahead of him, formed a hand seal. Qin Sang sensed fluctuations from a Buddhist restriction. Then, a faint Buddhist light appeared on the dark lakebed, and beneath the light was a tall mountain! It turned out they were far from the actual lakebed, which lay beneath this mountain.

"What a transformation!" Qin Sang sighed inwardly, then followed Master Huaiyin through the restriction and into a cave. The moisture was blocked outside, leaving the cave dry. Standing at the entrance, Qin Sang already felt an extremely sharp aura within the cave. Even before seeing the so-called Golden Luster Sword Qi, he had the illusion of being pierced by a myriad of swords!

When he saw the Golden Luster Sword Cave with his own eyes, he couldn't help but stop and gaze for a long time. Inside the sword cave, dazzling golden light shone. Streaks of seemingly corporeal Golden Luster Sword Qi moved around like actual golden swords. Master Huaiyin actually told him not to resist the sword qi, but to allow the Golden Luster Sword Qi to penetrate his body, almost masochistically letting the sword qi damage his flesh!

"Not only does it have the effects of cleansing meridians, purifying marrow, and achieving rebirth through destruction, but the unique energy within the sword qi, which this monk calls Golden Luster Qi, can also be absorbed into oneself to strengthen the physical body. True Monarch already has Soul Transformation cultivation. As long as you can endure the pain and use true essence to protect your body while taking in more Golden Luster Sword Qi, the effect should far exceed what this monk achieved back then..."

Master Huaiyin stepped into the sword cave, allowing the sword qi to pass through his body. Golden light burst around him, yet his expression remained undisturbed. The reason he said "back then" was because Master Huaiyin had already refined the Xin Metal Origin Crystal; he was no longer the same. He now absorbed Geng Metal Qi from his void travels, so this Golden Luster Sword Cave held little significance for him anymore.

Qin Sang nodded and stepped into the sword cave. A streak of Golden Luster Sword Qi immediately thrust towards him. He suppressed the true essence within his body, allowing the Golden Luster Sword Qi to pierce his flesh, and a tearing pain assaulted him. He focused on the experience. After the intense pain, a mysterious energy seemed to merge into his physical body.

After instructing Qin Sang on how to absorb the Golden Luster Sword Qi, Master Huaiyin bade farewell and left. Cultivation in the sword cave was timeless; in the blink of an eye, three years had passed.